Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program How To Build A Water Trail Fundraising Tips
Building a water trail takes money. Before launching
a campaign to get the money, make sure you have a sound business plan
and fundraising plan. The business plan will give you an idea how much
it will cost to build and maintain the trail year after year. The
fundraising plan will delineate a variety of ways to approach potential
donors. State economic development offices and university business
schools can help you draft these plans.
Pursue All Funding Sources
Start your fundraising campaign close to home and
seek out a variety of sources, so your organization does not become
dependent on one revenue stream. Local municipalities, civic groups, businesses, and
interested individuals are potential contributors of money and in-kind
products, services, and labor. A construction company might be willing
to provide equipment or gravel at cost, or free, and save you thousands
of dollars in constructing a campsite. Be
creative. Have some fun. Stage a regatta or hold an auction. Such events
can net hundreds or thousands of dollars—and cultivate grassroots
support for your water trail. The River Network (http://www.rivernetwork.org/)
provides advice on initiating campaigns close to home.
Then, broaden your fundraising
appeals. Talk with conservation partners and other groups about local,
state, and federal funding opportunities. Investigate the possibility of
obtaining grants from nonprofit organizations, private family
foundations, and state agencies. Your state trails organization, for
instance, probably dispenses federal funds through the Recreational
Trails Program or other programs. Awards are often based on an 80/20
federal/local split.
Government Grants
Several government programs provide funding and/or technical assistance for water trail development, maintenance, and related projects. The process, however, usually takes more research, partnership building, and paperwork than it does to apply for a foundation grant or corporate donation. Many government grants include a “cooperative agreement” or contract that may require you to complete the project at a specific point in time. Some government grants will not be paid until “the deliverables” are received. Can you wait to be reimbursed? Government grants can be great sources of funding if you have a specific project and you can make a compelling case that you can deliver on your promises.
Federal Government Grants— Generally, at the federal level, opportunities for grants are few. The Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, provides a variety of support for water trails, including funding for development of water trail maps and guides, orientation and interpretive signage, development of new and improved access to water trails, and preparation of management and stewardship plans. Water trails are eligible for funding under the TEA-21 Recreational Trails Program, but they have not received meaningful support from this program or other federal funding sources. Other federal agencies that may provide grants include:
State Government Grants—
At the state level, focus your energies on
Fish and Boat Commissions, RC&D Councils, and inter-jurisdictional
agencies.
Local Government Grants—
Many local and regional governments are
also excellent sources of funding, and they often require less paperwork
than federal and state agencies. For information about these grants,
contact city and county executive offices and parks and recreation
agencies. Your U.S. congressman, state representative, and local elected officials can be of great help in obtaining government grants. They can set up meetings with the appropriate officials and help explain why your project will benefit the community. Keep them up to date on the progress of your project and be sure to invite them to speak at ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
Corporate Sponsorships
Locally owned businesses, large corporations with a presence near your water trail, and companies with products and services related to water trails are all prospects to become sponsors for the trail or a specific trail project. Besides providing funds, corporate sponsorships can broaden your organization's visibility within the community, provide access to resources, and help you stay in touch with community leaders. Contact your local chamber of commerce and the state department of commerce for directories of local and regional commercial enterprises.
Benefits To Business— Many nonprofit organizations have a business membership or sponsorship program that works like a major donor program. Businesses contribute at certain levels and receive benefits such as personal communications and visits; recognition on your web page or brochure; and special invitations to water trail events. Other businesses may wish to make in-kind donations of equipment, labor, and materials. Some businesses may give the organization a percentage of sales. Keep an open mind and develop a mutually satisfying relationship.
Developing Corporate Support—
Here are a few tips on how to develop a
corporate sponsorship program:
Foundation Grants
Foundations can be key elements in a successful fundraising campaign for a water trail. These nongovernmental, nonprofit organizations primarily make grants to other nonprofit groups for educational, environmental, and a host of other civic purposes. Some are small, and some have billion dollar endowments. Most foundations have specific issues—such as health, the environment, wildlife, education—and other qualifications governing their grants. Some foundation grants are restricted to certain geographical areas, so a foundation in your immediate area might be a good prospect. With any foundation, make sure your project fits with its mission. For additional information about funding opportunities from foundations, visit
Other Nonprofit Sources
Some nonprofit organizations administer grants from
federal, state, corporate, or private sources. For example, the River
Network
http://www.rivernetwork.org/
administers the Watershed Assistance Grants (WAG) program funded
by the Environmental Protection Agency, and The Conservation Fund
http://www.conservationfund.org/
administers the Kodak American Greenways Awards, established by Kodak in
partnership with The Conservation Fund and the National Geographic
Society.
Membership Campaigns
Membership programs bring recognition and strength
to your water trails organization—and a diversified funding base.
Membership programs can help you identify potential large donors,
volunteers, future board members, and in-kind contributors. They provide
you with a group of people who may have good ideas for your water trail
and organization. There are many
ways to increase membership: special events, newsletters, magazine
advertisements, face-to-face requests, word of mouth, email, web page,
speaking engagements, telephone calls, and booths at festivals, boat
shows, and access points. Members
can provide you with a base of volunteers, valuable contacts and
networking opportunities, an informed base from which to draw board
members, and a source of fresh ideas. Membership campaigns can provide a
solid source of funds if managed well, and a solid source of headaches
if not. A successful membership
system requires: a computer, versatile database, skilled operator, and
communications tools such as a newsletter, website, or brochure, plus a
marketing plan and lots of time. These requirements require skill and
devotion and cost money to develop and maintain. Be cautious before
choosing this option. The costs of maintaining your membership database
may equal the income received from their membership fees. Consider
establishing a major donor category for membership, such as those who
will give $100 or more. Donors
generally give large gifts to an organization because they are able to
do so, they have been asked to do so, and they feel a personal
connection with the organization. Develop a personal relationship with
major donors is a key to success! .
Direct Mail
Most young water trail organizations find that small
membership appeals created in-house and sent to people who have
participated in trail events can be more effective and less costly than
a large direct mail campaign. Make an effort at every trail meeting and
event to collect names and addresses, so you can make such a mailing.
Otherwise, ask another like-minded organization in your area if you can
use or rent its list. Make the letter as personal as possible, and
include a stamped response card or envelope.
A direct mail campaign is probably not the way to fix a current financial problem, because results take time, often years. For every 1,000 pieces you mail, you may get only 10 to 30 members. Will you receive enough money to cover your printing and mailing expenses and fees to rent lists from other organizations or list brokers?
Fundraising Events
Events can be an enjoyable way to raise funds and
visibility for your water trail whether you are just starting or are
well established. You also have a great venue: your water trail! A
paddle trip is a popular way to celebrate water trails, gain media
attention, engage the community, and yes, even raise funds. Some
organizations hold annual auctions to raise funds. A sojourn, typically
a multi-day paddling event, is an increasingly popular way to publicize
water trails and the fun of spending time on a river.
How To Recruit Your Volunteer Fund-Raising Team
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